WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The Navajo Nation has purchased 1,250 acres of land that includes a gravel pit the tribe plans to use to obtain sand and gravel for roadwork and other projects.
The Gallup Independent reported that the gravel pit’s operator that leased its site from the previous land owners will now have a lease with the tribe and that the tribe’s planned use of the material from the newly purchased site near Indians Wells, Arizona, should save money for the tribe.
Tribal officials said in an announcement of the purchase that the tribe’s land acquisition fund provided the money to purchase the land.
The announcement didn’t specify the purchase price but said it was under a $5 million limit under which the Division of Natural Resources director could approve land purchases.
Division of Transportation Director Garrett Silversmith said material from the gravel pit will be used for highways, dirt roads, bridges, airports, dams, drainage structures, parking lots and buildings.
